Self-service checkout terminal with a security function based on detection of weight of items

ABSTRACT

A self-service checkout terminal includes an optical code reader, a platform on which items to be purchased are placed, a weight sensor configured to detect a weight of objects placed on the platform, and a processor configured to operate in a first mode and a second mode. The processor carries out a registration process based on a merchandise code corresponding to a code symbol read from an item by the optical code reader while enabling a confirmation process to confirm proper item placement based on the weight detected by the weight sensor in the first mode, and carries out the registration process while disabling the confirmation process in the second mode.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/671,515, filed on Aug. 8, 2017, which is based upon and claims thebenefit of priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2016-174653,filed on Sep. 7, 2016, the entire contents of each of which areincorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

Embodiments described herein relate generally to a self-service checkoutterminal for use by customers.

BACKGROUND

A self-service checkout terminal of one type allows a customer toperform registration of merchandise to be purchased and payment for themerchandise. In such the self-service checkout terminal, a securityprogram is provided to prevent the customer from carrying out afraudulent activity.

On the other hand, a casher of a store may operate the self-servicecheckout terminal to assist a customer who is unfamiliar with how tooperate the self-service checkout terminal. In this case, when thesecurity program for preventing the fraudulent activity is activated,the cashier may not be able to smoothly operate the self-servicecheckout terminal. In addition, the security program may decreaseusability of a reliable customer who is unlikely to commit thefraudulent activity.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a self-service checkout device accordingto a first embodiment and a second embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram OF a main circuit configuration of each ofdevices included in a self-service checkout system according to thefirst embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a control process according to the firstembodiment, carried out by a CPU of the self-service checkout device inFIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a control process according to the firstembodiment, carried out by a CPU of the self-service checkout device inFIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a control process according to the firstembodiment, carried out by a CPU of the self-service checkout device inFIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a control process according to the firstembodiment and the second embodiment, carried out by a CPU of theself-service checkout device in FIG. 2 or 9.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a control process according to the firstembodiment and the second embodiment, carried out by a CPU of theself-service checkout device in FIG. 2 or 9.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a control process according to the firstembodiment and the second embodiment, carried out by a CPU of anattendant terminal in FIG. 2 or 9.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a main circuit configuration ofeach of devices included in a self-service checkout system according tothe second embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a control process according to the secondembodiment, carried out by a CPU of the self-service checkout device inFIG. 9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An embodiment provides a self-service checkout device and a programcapable of improving operability of operation by a salesperson or acertain excellent customer by disabling or relaxing security.

In general, according to an embodiment, a self-service checkout terminalincludes an optical code reader, a platform on which items to bepurchased are placed, a weight sensor configured to detect a weight ofobjects placed on the platform, and a processor configured to operate ina first mode and a second mode. The processor carries out a registrationprocess based on a merchandise code corresponding to a code symbol readfrom an item by the optical code reader while enabling a confirmationprocess to confirm proper item placement based on the weight detected bythe weight sensor in the first mode, and carries out the registrationprocess while disabling the confirmation process in the second mode.

First Embodiment

Hereinafter, a self-service checkout device according to a firstembodiment will be described with reference to drawings. FIG. 1 is aperspective view of an exterior of a self-service checkout device 100according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a maincircuit configuration of each of devices included in a self-servicecheckout system 1 including the self-service checkout device 100according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 2, the same elements as thosein FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 1.The self-service checkout system 1 includes a plurality of self-servicecheckout devices 100 and an attendant terminal 200. The plurality ofself-service checkout devices 100 and the attendant terminal 200 areconnected to a network NW. The network NW is typically a local areanetwork (LAN). The network NW may be a wireless line or a wired line. Inaddition, wireless lines and wired lines may be mixed. Although theplurality of self-service checkout devices 100 is illustrated in FIG. 2,circuit configurations are illustrated with respect one of theself-service checkout devices 100 representatively. In addition,although the plurality of self-service checkout devices 100 isillustrated in FIG. 2, the number of the self-service checkout devicesincluded in the self-service checkout system 1 may be any number and maybe one.

The self-service checkout device 100 is located at a store or the likefor business such as registration and payment of merchandise, which is apayment target. Although the self-service checkout device 100 is mainlyoperated by a shopper, the self-service checkout device 100 may beoperated by a salesperson in response to a request from the shopper. Theself-service checkout device 100 has two operation modes of asalesperson mode and a normal mode. A specific operator such as asalesperson can operate the self-service checkout device 100 in thesalesperson mode. In the salesperson mode, a security setting accordingto the normal mode is disabled. Alternatively, in the salesperson mode,a security setting lower than that for the normal mode is activated. Theself-service checkout device 100 includes a housing 100A placed on afloor surface. A first placing table S1 is provided on one side surfaceof the housing 100A and a second placing table S2 is provided on theother side surface. The first placing table S1 is a table for placingmerchandise before registration. Then, the second placing table S2 is atable for placing registered merchandise. The self-service checkoutdevice 100 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 101, a main memory102, an auxiliary storage device 103, a touch panel 104, a communicationinterface 105, a scanner 106, a printer 107, a first scale 108, a secondscale 109, a patrol lamp 110, a speaker 111, and a bus 112.

The CPU 101 corresponds to a central part of a computer which performs aprocess and control necessary for operation of the self-service checkoutdevice 100. The CPU 101 controls each unit of the self-service checkoutdevice 100 to perform various functions of the self-service checkoutdevice 100 based on an operating system and a program such asapplication software stored in the main memory 102.

The main memory 102 corresponds to a main storage device of thecomputer. The main memory 102 stores the operating system and theprogram such as application software. In addition, the main memory 102stores data to be referred when the CPU 101 performs various processes.Further, the main memory 102 is used as a so-called work area forstoring data temporarily used when the CPU 101 performs variousprocesses.

The auxiliary storage device 103 corresponds to an auxiliary storagedevice of the computer. The auxiliary storage device 103 is, forexample, an electric erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), ahard disc drive (HDD), or a solid state drive (SSD). The auxiliarystorage device 103 stores data used when the CPU 101 performs variousprocesses or data generated through a process of the CPU 101. Theauxiliary storage device 103 may store the operating system and theprogram such as application software. In addition, the auxiliary storagedevice 103 also stores a merchandise list, which is a list ofmerchandise registered as sales merchandise. Alternatively, the mainmemory 102 may store the merchandise list. Further, the auxiliarystorage device 103 stores a reference value d1 and a reference value d2.Alternatively, the main memory 102 stores the reference value d1 and thereference value d2. The reference value d1 and the reference value d2respectively indicate an upper limit of an acceptable difference indetermination of weights. The reference value d1 and the reference valued2 are set in advance by an administrator or the like of theself-service checkout device 100. In a case where a value of thereference value d1 or the reference value d2 is not set by anadministrator or the like of the self-service checkout device 100, thereference value d1 or the reference value d2 is set to a default value.Default values of the reference value d1 and the reference value d2 are,for example, set in advance by a manufacturer of the self-servicecheckout device 100. In addition, the auxiliary storage device 103stores a salesperson ID (identifier), which is a unique identificationnumber assigned to each of salespersons who work at the store. Thesalesperson ID is an example of operator identification information.Further, the auxiliary storage device 103 also stores a merchandisedatabase including various kinds of information such as a merchandisecode, a merchandise name, and amount of money for merchandise to be soldat a store. In addition, the auxiliary storage device 103 also stores adevice ID of the self-service checkout device 100. The device ID is aunique identification number and is set to each of the plurality ofself-service checkout devices 100 in advance.

The program stored in the main memory 102 or the auxiliary storagedevice 103 includes a control program, which is described with respectto a control process described below. As one example, in a state wherethe control program is stored in the main memory 102 or the auxiliarystorage device 103, the self-service checkout device 100 is provided toan administrator or the like of the self-service checkout device 100.However, in a state where the control program is not stored in the mainmemory 102 or the auxiliary storage device 103, the self-servicecheckout device 100 may be provided to the administrator or the like ofthe self-service checkout device 100. A control program which isseparately provided to the administrator or the like may be written intothe main memory 102 or the auxiliary storage device 103 under control ofthe administrator or a service person. At this time, transfer of thecontrol program can be carried out by recording the control program on aremovable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, a magneto-opticaldisk, an optical disk, and a semiconductor memory or by downloading viaa network.

The touch panel 104 functions as a display device for displaying ascreen for notifying various kinds of information to an operator of theself-service checkout device 100. The touch panel 104 is attached to thehousing 100A illustrated in FIG. 1. In addition, the touch panel 104functions as an input device for receiving touch operation by theoperator.

The communication interface 105 is an interface for communication of theself-service checkout device 100 via the network NW.

The scanner 106 reads a barcode presented on merchandise or the like andoutputs a merchandise code corresponding to the barcode. Although thescanner 106 is fixed to the housing 100A of the self-service checkoutdevice 100 in FIG. 1, the scanner 106 may be a hand-held type.

The printer 107 prints a receipt or the like. As the printer 107,various types of printers such as a dot impact printer, an ink jetprinter, a thermal printer, a laser printer, or other printer can beused.

The first scale 108 is provided to measure a weight of unregisteredmerchandise. As one example, the first scale 108 is embedded in thefirst placing table S1. The first scale 108 measures a weight of objectsplaced on the first placing table S1 and outputs the weight aselectronic data.

The second scale 109 is provided to measure a weight of registeredmerchandise. As one example, the second scale 109 is embedded in thesecond placing table S2. The second scale 109 measures a weight of themerchandise placed on the second placing table S2 and outputs the weightas electronic data.

In FIG. 1, the patrol lamp 110 is attached to a tip end of a poleextending in a vertical direction to be visible from afar. The patrollamp 110 includes a light emitting member such as a light-emitting diode(LED), a fluorescent lamp, an incandescent lamp, and a cylinder. Thelight emitting member is attached inside the cylinder so as to berotatable coaxially with the cylinder. When the patrol lamp 110operates, the patrol lamp 110 rotates the light emitting member whilecausing the light emitting member to emit light.

The speaker 111 outputs sound corresponding to an input audio signal.

The bus 112 includes an address bus, a data bus, and the like andtransmits a signal exchanged by each of units of the self-servicecheckout device 100.

The attendant terminal 200 is installed for an object of monitoringvarious situations with respect to each of the self-service checkoutdevices 100 connected via the network NW. The attendant terminal 200includes a CPU 201, a main memory 202, an auxiliary storage device 203,a touch panel 204, a communication interface 205, and a bus 206.

The CPU 201 corresponds to a central part of a computer which performs aprocess and control necessary for operation of the attendant terminal200. The CPU 201 controls each of units to perform various functions ofthe attendant terminal 200 based on an operating system and a programsuch as application software stored in the main memory 202.

The main memory 202 corresponds to a main storage device of thecomputer. The main memory 202 stores the operating system and theprogram such as application software. In addition, the main memory 202stores data to be referred when the CPU 201 performs various processes.Further, the main memory 202 is used as a so-called work area forstoring data temporarily used when the CPU 201 performs variousprocesses.

The auxiliary storage device 203 corresponds to an auxiliary storagedevice of the computer. The auxiliary storage device 203 is, forexample, an EEPROM, an HDD, or an SSD. The auxiliary storage device 203stores data used when the CPU 201 performs various processes or datagenerated by a process of the CPU 201. The auxiliary storage device 203may store the operating system and the program such as applicationsoftware.

The program stored in the main memory 202 or the auxiliary storagedevice 203 includes a control program, which is described with respectto a control process described below. As one example, in a state wherethe control program is stored in the main memory 202 or the auxiliarystorage device 203, the attendant terminal 200 is provided to a user.However, in a state where the control program is not stored in the mainmemory 202 or the auxiliary storage device 203, the attendant terminal200 may be provided to the user. A control program which is separatelyprovided to the user or the like may be written into the main memory 202or the auxiliary storage device 203 under control of the user or aservice person. At this time, transfer of the control program can berealized by recording the control program on a removable recordingmedium such as a magnetic disk, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk,and a semiconductor memory or by downloading via a network.

The touch panel 204 functions as a display device for displaying ascreen for notifying various kinds of information to an operator of theattendant terminal 200. In addition, the touch panel 204 functions as aninput device for receiving touch operation by the operator.

The communication interface 205 is an interface for communication of theattendant terminal 200 via the network NW.

The bus 206 includes an address bus, a data bus, and the like andtransmits a signal exchanged by each of units of the attendant terminal200.

Hereinafter, operation of the self-service checkout system 1 using theself-service checkout device 100 according to the first embodiment willbe described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 8. Furthermore, contents of aprocess in the operation to be described below is one example, variousprocesses can be appropriately performed so as to achieve same results.In the first embodiment, the main memory 102 or the auxiliary storagedevice 103 of the self-service checkout device 100 stores a controlprogram described with respect to control processes illustrated in FIGS.3 to 7. FIGS. 3 to 7 are flowcharts of control processes according tothe CPU 101 of the self-service checkout device 100. The CPU 101executes the control process based on the control program stored in themain memory 102 and the auxiliary storage device 103. In addition, inthe first embodiment, the main memory 202 or the auxiliary storagedevice 203 of the attendant terminal 200 stores a control programdescribed with respect to a control processes illustrated in FIG. 8.FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a control process by the CPU 201 of theattendant terminal 200. The CPU 201 executes the control process basedon the control program stored in the main memory 202 and the auxiliarystorage device 203.

In Act 1 of FIG. 3, the CPU 101 resets a merchandise list stored in themain memory 102 or the auxiliary storage device 103. That is, the CPU101 instructs the main memory 102 or the auxiliary storage device 103 sothat no merchandise is registered in the merchandise list.

An operator of the self-service checkout device 100 puts merchandisewhich a customer wants to purchase in a shopping basket and places theshopping basket on the first placing table S1. Alternatively, theoperator does not put merchandise which the customer wants to purchasein the shopping basket and may place the merchandise on the firstplacing table S1 directly. Then, the operator touches a start buttondisplayed on the touch panel 104 of the self-service checkout device100. The start button is operated by the operator of the self-servicecheckout device 100 in a case where a start of merchandise registrationis instructed. In Act 2, the CPU 101 waits for operation to instruct thestart of merchandise registration. That is, the CPU 101 waits forpredetermined operation such as touching the start button displayed onthe touch panel 104 to instruct the start of merchandise registration.When the operation to instruct the start of merchandise registration isperformed, the CPU 101 makes a determination of Yes in Act 2 and theprocess proceeds to Act 3.

In Act 3, the CPU 101 obtains the weight output by the first scale 108and stores the weight in the main memory 102 as a first weight. Further,the CPU 101 obtains the weight output by the second scale 109 and storesthe weight in the main memory 102 as a second weight.

In Act 4, the CPU 101 checks whether or not a barcode storing thesalesperson ID is read by the scanner 106. By performing a process ofAct 4, a computer having the CPU 101 as a center operates as anauthentication unit which authenticates whether or not an operator is apredetermined specific operator. When the salesperson ID is not read,the CPU 101 makes a determination of No in Act 4 and the processproceeds to Act 5.

In Act 5, the CPU 101 checks whether or not the weight output by thefirst scale 108 is decreased. At this time, the CPU 101 obtains theweight output by the first scale 108. Then, the CPU 101 calculates adecreased amount by subtracting the weight obtained by the first scale108 from the first weight stored in Act 3. If the decreased amount isequal to or larger than a predetermined value, the CPU 101 regards theweight output by the first scale 108 as being decreased. A reason whythe CPU 111 regards the weight as being decreased when the decreasedamount is equal to or larger than a predetermined value is to preventthe CPU 101 from regarding the weight as being decreased in a case wherethe weight output by the first scale 108 changes due to factors such asvibration being applied to the self-service checkout device 100. Whenthe weight output by the first scale 108 is not decreased, the CPU 101makes a determination of No in Act 5 and the process proceeds to Act 6.

In Act 6, the CPU 101 checks whether or not operation instructing aregistration completion is performed. That is, the CPU 101 checkswhether or not predetermined operation such as touching a subtotalbutton displayed on the touch panel 104 is performed. The operationinstructing the registration completion is set as a rule under acondition of operation performed after registering at least one piece ofmerchandise. In a case where the operation instructing the registrationcompletion is performed in a state where no merchandise is registered,operation of the CPU 101 may be determined by a designer of the controlprogram of the CPU 101. For example, the CPU 101 ignores the operationinstructing the registration completion. Alternatively, in a state whereno merchandise is registered, the CPU 101 may prevent the operationitself instructing the registration completion. When the operationinstructing the registration completion is not performed, the CPU 101makes a determination of No in Act 6 and the process returns to Act 4.In this way, the CPU 101 repeats Acts 4 to 6 until the salesperson ID isread, the weight is decreased, or the operation instructing theregistration completion is performed.

An operator of the self-service checkout device 100 picks up one pieceof merchandise to be registered in a merchandise list among merchandiseplaced in the first placing table S1. As a result, the weight output bythe first scale 108 is decreased. When the weight output by the firstscale 108 is decreased in a standby state of Acts 4 to 6, the CPU 101makes a determination of Yes in Act 5 and the process proceeds to Act 7.In Act 7, the CPU 101 stores the decreased amount calculated in Act 5 inthe main memory 102.

In Act 8, the CPU 101 waits for input of a merchandise code. Themerchandise code is input to the CPU 101 described below. The operatorof the self-service checkout device 100 causes the scanner 106 to read abarcode attached to the merchandise. Accordingly, a merchandise codecorresponding to the barcode is input to the CPU 101. In addition,buttons associated with merchandise to which a barcode is not attachedare displayed on the touch panel 104. The operator of the self-servicecheckout device 100 touches merchandise to be registered in themerchandise list among the buttons displayed on the touch panel 104.Accordingly, a merchandise code of merchandise associated with thebutton is input to the CPU 101. The merchandise code is identificationinformation of with the merchandise. Therefore, by performing a processof Act 8, a computer having the CPU 101 operates as a reception unitwhich receives input of merchandise identification informationassociated with merchandise which is a payment target. When themerchandise code is input, the CPU 101 makes a determination of Yes inAct 8 and the process proceeds to Act 9.

In Act 9, the CPU 101 adds the merchandise code of which input isreceived in Act 8 to a merchandise list stored in the main memory 102 orthe auxiliary storage device 103. Therefore, by performing a process ofAct 9, a computer having the CPU 101 operates as a processing unit whichprocesses sales data of the merchandise using the merchandiseidentification information of which input is received by the receptionunit. After Act 9, the process proceeds to Act 10.

In Act 10, the CPU 101 waits for a weight output by the second scale 109to be increased. At this time, the CPU 101 obtains the weight output bythe second scale 109. Then, the CPU 101 calculates an increased amountby subtracting the second weight stored in Act 3 from the weightobtained by the second scale 109. If the increasing amount is equal toor larger than a predetermined value, the CPU 101 regards the weightoutput by the second scale 109 as being increased. A reason why theweight is considered to be increased when increasing amount is equal toor larger than a predetermined value is to prevent the CPU 101 fromregarding the weight as being increased in a case where the weightoutput by the second scale 109 changes due to factors such as vibrationbeing applied to the self-service checkout device 100. An operator ofthe self-service checkout device 100 places merchandise to be added to amerchandise list on the second placing table S2. As a result, the weightoutput by the second scale 109 is increased. When the weight output bythe second scale 109 is increased, the CPU 101 makes a determination ofYes in Act 10 and the process proceeds to Act 11.

In Act 11, the CPU 101 compares increasing amount calculated in Act 10with the decreased amount stored in Act 7 and determines whether or notweights are the same. At this time, in a case where a difference betweenthe decreased amount and the increased amount is equal to or less thanthe reference value d1, the CPU 101 regards the weights as being thesame. In a case where the CPU 101 regards the weights as not being thesame in Act 11, some fraudulent operation might be carried out.Therefore, by performing a process of Act 11, a computer having the CPU101 operates as a detection unit which detects fraudulent operation.When the weights are the same, the CPU 101 makes a determination of Yesin Act 11 and the process returns to Act 3. On the other hand, when theweights are not the same, the CPU 101 makes a determination of No in Act11 and the process proceeds to Act 12.

In Act 12, the CPU 101 removes the merchandise code finally added to themerchandise list in Act 9 from the merchandise list stored in the mainmemory 102 or the auxiliary storage device 103.

In Act 13, the CPU 101 notifies that an error has occurred. For example,the CPU 101 generates an error screen. Then, the CPU 101 causes thetouch panel 104 to display the screen. By receiving this instruction,the touch panel 104 displays the error screen. For example, the errorscreen includes a character string indicating that registration ofmerchandise is not normally performed and a character string indicatingthat merchandise to be finally registered has to be returned on thefirst placing table S1. In addition, for example, the CPU 101 inputs anaudio signal corresponding to a sound message that registration ofmerchandise is not normally performed and a sound message thatmerchandise to be finally registered has to be returned on the firstplacing table S1 to the speaker 111. Accordingly, sounds represented bythe audio signal are emitted by the speaker 111. Therefore, byperforming a process of Act 13, a computer having the CPU 101 operatesas a warning unit which emits a warning in a case where the detectionunit detects the fraudulent operation. After Act 13, the process returnsto Act 3.

When registration of merchandise of a payment target for onetransaction, that is, all pieces of merchandise placed on the firstplacing table S1 is completed, an operator of the self-service checkoutdevice 100 performs operation for instructing a registration completion.When the operation for instructing the registration completion isperformed in a standby state of Acts 4 to 6, the CPU 101 makes adetermination of Yes in Act 6 and the process proceeds to Act 14. In Act14, the CPU 101 starts a weight monitoring process illustrated in FIG.5. The CPU 101 performs the weight monitoring process in parallel with acontrol process illustrated in FIG. 3 by executing the weight monitoringprocess as a separate thread from the control process illustrated inFIG. 3.

Hereinafter, the weight monitoring process illustrated in FIG. 5 will bedescribed. In Act 31 of FIG. 5, the CPU 101 assigns a variable i to themain memory 102.

In Act 32, the CPU 101 obtains a weight output by the second scale 109and stores the weight in the main memory 102.

In Act 33, the CPU 101 sets a value of the variable i to “0”. In Act 34,the CPU 101 checks whether or not the weight output by the second scale109 is decreased. At this time, the CPU 101 obtains the weight output bythe second scale 109. Then, the CPU 101 calculates the decreased amountby subtracting the weight obtained by the second scale 109 from theweight stored in Act 32. If the decreased amount is equal to or largerthan the reference value d2, the CPU 101 regards the weight output bythe second scale 109 as being decreased. When the weight output by thesecond scale 109 is not decreased, the CPU 101 makes a determination ofYes in Act 34 and the process proceeds to Act 35.

In Act 35, the CPU 101 increases the value of the variable i by “1”. InAct 36, the CPU 101 checks whether or not the value of the variable i isequal to or larger than a predetermined value N. When the value of thevariable i is smaller than N, the CPU 101 makes a determination of No inAct 36 and the process returns to Act 34. That is, the CPU 101 makes adetermination of No in Act 36 until the CPU 101 consecutively makes adetermination of Yes in Act 34 N times. A reason is that the weightoutput by the second scale 109 may temporarily change due to factorssuch as vibration being applied to the self-service checkout device 100and is to prevent from performing a process in Act 37 in such a case.

When an operator or the like of the self-service checkout device 100picks up merchandise placed in the second placing table S2, the weightoutput by the second scale 109 is decreased. Then, when the merchandiseis not returned to the second placing table S2, the CPU 101consecutively makes a determination of Yes in Act 34 N times. When thevalue of the variable i is equal to or larger than N, the CPU 101 makesa determination of Yes in Act 36 and the process proceeds to Act 37. InAct 37, the CPU 101 performs a warning operation so as to warn theoperator of the self-service checkout device 100 to return themerchandise to the second placing table S2. As an example, the CPU 101generates a screen including a character string for warning the operatorto return the merchandise to the second placing table S2. Then, the CPU101 causes the touch panel 104 to display the screen. By receiving thisinstruction, the touch panel 104 displays the screen including thecharacter string. In addition, as an example, the CPU 101 inputs anaudio signal corresponding to sound for warning the operator to returnthe merchandise to the second placing table S2 to the speaker 111.Accordingly, sounds represented by the audio signal are emitted by thespeaker 111. As described above, by performing a process of FIG. 5, acomputer having the CPU 101 operates as a detection unit which detects afraudulent operation. In addition, by performing a process of Act 37, acomputer having the CPU 101 operates as a warning unit which emits awarning sound in a case where the detection unit detects the fraudulentoperation.

Returning to the control process illustrated in FIG. 3. In Act 15 ofFIG. 3, the CPU 101 performs a settlement process based on a merchandisecode registered in a merchandise list. The CPU 101 obtains an amount ofmoney, a merchandise name, and the like of merchandise indicated by themerchandise code from a merchandise database. Since a settlement processis a well-known process, a detailed explanation will be omitted. Byperforming a process of Act 15, a computer having the CPU 101 as acenter operates as a settlement unit which performs a settlement processbased on the sales data for one transaction processed by the processingunit.

In Act 16, the CPU 101 ends the weight monitoring process. After theprocess of Act 16, the process returns to Act 1.

By the way, there is a case where a salesperson operates theself-service checkout device by responding to a request of a customerwho does not know how to operate the self-service checkout device 100.In this case, the salesperson causes the scanner 106 to read a barcodein which the salesperson ID is stored so as to operate the self-servicecheckout device 100 in the salesperson mode. For example, the barcode isprinted on an ID card or the like owned by each of salespersons. Whenthe salesperson ID is read in a standby state of Acts 4 to 6, the CPU101 makes a determination of Yes in Act 4 and moves to Act 17. In Act17, the CPU 101 performs a salesperson mode changing process illustratedin FIG. 6 so as to change the self-service checkout device 100 to thesalesperson mode.

In Act 41 of FIG. 6, the CPU 101 instructs the communication interface105 to transmit a salesperson mode notification command indicating thata mode of the self-service checkout device 100 is changed to thesalesperson mode to the attendant terminal 200. The salesperson modenotification command includes the device ID of the self-service checkoutdevice 100 which transmits the salesperson mode notification command. Byreceiving an instruction of the CPU 101, the communication interface 105transmits the salesperson mode notification command to the attendantterminal 200. The transmitted salesperson mode notification command isreceived by the communication interface 205 of the attendant terminal200.

On the other hand, in Act 61 of FIG. 8, the CPU 201 of the attendantterminal 200 checks whether or not a salesperson mode notificationcommand is received by the communication interface 205. When thesalesperson mode notification command is not received, the CPU 201 makesa determination of No in Act 61 and the process proceeds to Act 62.

In Act 62, the CPU 201 checks whether or not a normal mode notificationcommand is received by the communication interface 205. The normal modenotification command will be described below. When the normal modenotification command is not received, the CPU 201 makes a determinationof No in Act 62 and the process returns to Act 61. In this way, the CPU201 repeats Acts 61 to 62 until the salesperson mode notificationcommand or the normal mode notification command is received. When thesalesperson mode notification command is received in a standby state ofActs 61 to 62, the CPU 201 makes a determination of Yes in Act 61 andthe process moves to Act 63.

In Act 63, the CPU 201 generates a screen indicating that theself-service checkout device 100 identified by the device ID included inthe salesperson mode notification command checking reception in Act 62operates in the salesperson mode. Then, the CPU 201 causes the touchpanel 204 to display the screen. By receiving this instruction, thetouch panel 204 displays the screen. After the process of Act 63, theprocess returns to Act 61. The process of Act 63 is performed based on asalesperson mode notification received from the self-service checkoutdevice 100 in Act 41 of FIG. 6. Therefore, by performing a process ofAct 41, a computer having the CPU 101 as a center operates as anotification unit which notifies that a threshold for detecting afraudulent operation is reduced or a fraudulent operation will not bedetected.

On the other hand, after the process of Act 41 of FIG. 6, the CPU 101 ofthe self-service checkout device 100 moves to Act 42. In Act 42 of FIG.6, the CPU 101 generates a screen for the salesperson mode. Then, theCPU 101 causes the touch panel 104 to display the screen. By receivingthis instruction, the touch panel 104 displays the screen for thesalesperson mode. The screen for the salesperson mode includes acharacter string indicating that the self-service checkout device 100operates in the salesperson mode and buttons for instructing release ofthe salesperson mode. In a screen for the normal mode displayed when theself-service checkout device 100 operates in the normal mode, thecharacter string and the buttons are not displayed. Therefore, byperforming a process of Act 42, a computer having the CPU 101 as acenter operates as a notification unit which notifies that the thresholdfor detecting a fraudulent operation is reduced or a fraudulentoperation will not be detected. In Act 43, the CPU 101 operates thepatrol lamp 110. In the normal mode, the patrol lamp 110 is notoperated. Therefore, by performing a process of Act 43, a computerhaving the CPU 101 operates as a notification unit which notifies thatthe threshold for detecting the fraudulent operation is reduced or thefraudulent operation will not be detected. After that, the CPU 101 endsthe salesperson mode changing process.

After the salesperson mode changing process illustrated in Act 17 ofFIG. 3, the process moves to Act 18 of FIG. 4. FIG. 4 illustratesoperation in the salesperson mode. In Act 18 of FIG. 4, the CPU 101checks whether or not a merchandise code is input in the same manner asAct 8. The merchandise code is input to the CPU 101 described in Act 8.When the merchandise code is not input, the CPU 101 makes adetermination of No in Act 18 and the process proceeds to Act 19.

In Act 19, the CPU 101 checks whether or not an operation instructing aregistration completion is performed in the same manner as Act 6. Whenthe operation instructing the registration completion is not performed,the CPU 101 makes a determination of No in Act 19 and the processproceeds to Act 20.

In Act 20, the CPU 101 checks whether or not an operation releasing thesalesperson mode is performed. That is, the CPU 101 checks whether ornot a predetermined operation such as touching a button, which isdisplayed on the touch panel 104, for instructing release of thesalesperson mode is performed. When the operation releasing thesalesperson mode is not performed, the CPU 101 makes a determination ofNo in Act 20 and the process returns to Act 18. In this way, the CPU 101repeats Acts 18 to 20 until the merchandise code is input, the operationinstructing the registration completion is performed, or the operationreleasing the salesperson mode is performed. When the merchandise codeis input in a standby state of Acts 18 to 20, the CPU 101 makes adetermination of Yes in Act 18 and the process proceeds to Act 21.

In Act 21, the CPU 101 adds the merchandise code checked to be input inAct 18 to a merchandise list stored in the main memory 102 or theauxiliary storage device 103. Therefore, by performing a process of Act21, a computer having the CPU 101 operates as a processing unit whichprocesses sales data of the merchandise using the merchandiseidentification information of which input is received by the receptionunit. After the process of Act 21, the process returns to Act 18.

When the operation for instructing the registration completion isperformed in a standby state of Acts 18 to 20, the CPU 101 makes adetermination of Yes in Act 19 and the process proceeds to Act 22. InAct 22, the CPU 101 performs a settlement process based on a merchandisecode registered in a merchandise list. The CPU 101 obtains an amount ofmoney, a merchandise name, and the like of merchandise indicated by themerchandise code from a merchandise database. Since a settlement processis a well-known process, a detailed explanation will be omitted. Byperforming a process of Act 22, a computer having the CPU 101 as acenter operates as a settlement unit which performs a settlement processbased on the sales data for one transaction processed by the processingunit. As described above, in the salesperson mode illustrated in FIG. 4,determinations of weights in Act 5, Act 7, Act 10, and Act 11illustrated in FIG. are not performed. Further, in the salesperson modeillustrated in FIG. 4, the processes of Act 14 and Act 16 are notperformed and the weight monitoring process illustrated in FIG. 5 is notperformed. Therefore, by performing the process in FIG. 4, a computerhaving the CPU 101 operates as a control unit which controls thedetection unit so as not to detect a fraudulent operation on conditionthat it is authenticated that an operator is a specific operator.

In Act 23, the CPU 101 performs a normal mode changing processillustrated in FIG. 7 so as to change the self-service checkout device100 to the normal mode.

In Act 61 of FIG. 7, the CPU 101 instructs the communication interface105 to transmit a normal mode notification command indicating that amode of the self-service checkout device 100 is changed to the normalmode to the attendant terminal 200. The normal mode notification commandincludes the device ID of the self-service checkout device 100 whichtransmitted the normal mode notification command. By receiving aninstruction of the CPU 101, the communication interface 105 transmitsthe normal mode notification command to the attendant terminal 200. Thetransmitted normal mode notification command is received by thecommunication interface 205 of the attendant terminal 200.

On the other hand, when the normal mode notification command is receivedin a standby state of Acts 61 to 62 in FIG. 8, the CPU 201 of theattendant terminal 200 makes a determination of Yes in Act 62 and theprocess proceeds to Act 64.

In Act 64, the CPU 201 generates a screen indicating that theself-service checkout device 100 identified by the device ID included inthe normal mode notification command checking reception in Act 62operates in the normal mode. Then, the CPU 201 causes the touch panel204 to display the screen. By receiving this instruction, the touchpanel 204 displays the screen. After the process of Act 64, the processreturns to Act 61.

On the other hand, after the process of Act 51 of FIG. 7, the CPU 101 ofthe self-service checkout device 100 moves to Act 52. In Act 52 of FIG.7, the CPU 101 generates a screen for the normal mode. Then, the CPU 101causes the touch panel 104 to display the screen. By receiving thisinstruction, the touch panel 104 displays the screen for the normalmode. In Act 53, the CPU 101 stops the patrol lamp 110. Then, the CPU101 ends the normal mode changing process.

After the normal mode changing process illustrated in Act 23 of FIG. 4,the CPU 101 returns to Act 1 of FIG. 3. In addition, when an operationreleasing the salesperson mode is performed in a standby state of Acts18 to 20 in FIG. 4, the CPU 101 makes a determination of Yes in Act 20and the process proceeds to Act 24. In Act 24, the CPU 101 performs thenormal mode changing process illustrated in FIG. 8. After the normalmode changing process illustrated in Act 24, the process returns to Act3 of FIG. 3.

According to the self-service checkout device 100 of the firstembodiment, an operation mode is changed to a salesperson mode inresponse to reading the salesperson ID. The self-service checkout device100 operating in the salesperson mode does not perform determinations ofweights in Act 5, Act 7, Act 10, and Act 11 of the normal mode. In thenormal mode, there is a case where it is determined as No in Act 11 andan error occurs when trying to register merchandise quickly. Thesalesperson can register the merchandise without concern for the errorby changing to the salesperson mode and registering the merchandise. Inaddition, the self-service checkout device 100 operating in thesalesperson mode does not perform the weight monitoring processillustrated in FIG. 5. Therefore, when the self-service checkout device100 operates in the salesperson mode, even if merchandise is picked upfrom the second placing table S2 by a salesperson or a customer beforethe settlement process is ended, the self-service checkout device 100does not perform the warning operation. Accordingly, the salesperson orthe customer can start bagging or the like of merchandise before an endof the settlement process.

In addition, according to the self-service checkout device 100 of thefirst embodiment, the scanner 106 simultaneously reads a barcodeattached to merchandise and a barcode in which the salesperson ID isrecorded. Therefore, a manufacturing cost and the like of theself-service checkout device 100 can be reduced compared with a casewhere a device performing an input of a merchandise code and a deviceperforming an input of a salesperson ID are separated.

In addition, according to the self-service checkout device 100 of thefirst embodiment, when the self-service checkout device 100 operates inthe salesperson mode, a screen indicating that the self-service checkoutdevice 100 operates in the salesperson mode is displayed on the touchpanel 204 of the attendant terminal 200. In addition, when theself-service checkout device 100 operates in the salesperson mode, theself-service checkout device 100 displays the screen for the salespersonmode on the touch panel 104. In addition, when the self-service checkoutdevice 100 operates in the salesperson mode, the self-service checkoutdevice 100 operates the patrol lamp 110. As a result, the salespersoncan easily know that the self-service checkout device 100 operates inthe salesperson mode.

Second Embodiment

Hereinafter, a self-service checkout device according to a secondembodiment will be described with reference to drawings. In each ofdrawings and the following description according to the secondembodiment, the same reference numerals are attached to the sameelements as those in the first embodiment. Therefore, there is a casewhere description of the same element may be omitted. Since an exteriorof a self-service checkout device 300 according to the second embodimentis the same as the self-service checkout device 100 illustrated in FIG.1 of the first embodiment, description of the exterior of theself-service checkout device 300 will be omitted. FIG. 9 is a blockdiagram of a main circuit configuration of each of devices included in aself-service checkout system 2 using the self-service checkout device300 according to the second embodiment. The self-service checkout device300 is not required to provide the second scale 109 unlike the firstembodiment. Instead, the self-service checkout device 300 includes abiometric authentication device 301 unlike the first embodiment.

The biometric authentication device 301 reads biometric informationindicating a characteristic of a specific person. The biometricinformation read by the biometric authentication device 301 is, forexample, a physical characteristic such as a face, a fingerprint, andvein pattern or a behavioral characteristic such as a pattern of walkingor blinking.

In the second embodiment, the auxiliary storage device 103 of theself-service checkout device 300 stores biometric information of each ofsalespersons who work at a store. In addition, in the second embodiment,the auxiliary storage device 103 stores an reference value d3. Thereference value d3 indicates an upper limit of an acceptable differencein determination of weights in the same manner as the reference valued1. It is assumed that a value of the reference value d3 is larger thana value of the reference value d1. The reference value d3 is set inadvance by an administrator or the like of the self-service checkoutdevice 300. In a case where a value of the reference value d3 is not setby an administrator or the like of the self-service checkout device 300,the reference value d3 is set to a default value. The default value ofthe reference value d3 is, for example, set in advance by a designer ofthe self-service checkout device 300. Further, in the second embodiment,a merchandise database stored by the auxiliary storage device 103 alsostores a weight of each piece of merchandise.

In the second embodiment, the main memory 102 or the auxiliary storagedevice 103 of the self-service checkout device 300 stores a controlprogram described with respect to control processes illustrated in FIGS.6, 7, and 10. FIG. 10 is a flowchart of control processes according tothe CPU 101 of the self-service checkout device 300. In addition, in thesecond embodiment, the main memory 202 or the auxiliary storage device203 of the attendant terminal 200 stores a control program describedwith respect to a control processes illustrated in FIG. 8 in the samemanner as the first embodiment.

Hereinafter, operation of the self-service checkout system 2 using theself-service checkout device 300 according to the second embodiment willbe described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 8 and FIG. 10. Furthermore,contents of a process in the operation to be described below are oneexample, various processes can be appropriately carried out so as toachieve same results. In the second embodiment, before the process ofAct 1, the CPU 101 performs a process of Act 71. In Act 71 of FIG. 10,the CPU 101 assigns a variable D of which initial value is d1 to themain memory 102. After the process of Act 71, the self-service checkoutdevice 300 operates in the normal mode.

In the second embodiment, the CPU 101 performs a process of Act 72instead of Act 4 carried out in the first embodiment. In Act 72, the CPU101 checks whether or not biometric information is read by the biometricauthentication device 301. When the biometric information is not read,the CPU 101 makes a determination of No in Act 72 and the processproceeds to Act 73.

In Act 73, the CPU 101 checks whether or not operation releasing thesalesperson mode is performed in the same manner as Act 20. When theoperation releasing the salesperson mode is not performed, the CPU 101makes a determination of No in Act 73 and the process proceeds to Act 5.Act 5 and Act 6 are the same as the first embodiment. However, in a caseof No in Act 6, the process returns to Act 72. In this way, in Act 72,Act 73, Act 5, and Act 6, the CPU 101 repeats Act 72, Act 73, Act 5, andAct 6 until the biometric information is read, the operation releasingthe salesperson mode is performed, the weight is decreased, or theoperation instructing the registration completion is performed. Whenbiometric information is read in a standby state of Act 72, Act 73, Act5, and Act 6, the CPU 101 makes a determination of Yes in Act 72 and theprocess proceeds to Act 74.

In Act 74, the CPU 101 checks whether or not the biometric informationchecked to be read in Act 72 is for a salesperson with reference tobiometric information stored in the auxiliary storage device 103.Therefore, by performing processes of Act 72 and Act 74, a computerhaving the CPU 101 operates as an authentication unit whichauthenticates whether or not an operator is a predetermined specificoperator. When the biometric information is not for a salesperson, theCPU 101 makes a determination of No in Act 74 and the process returns toAct 72. On the other hand, when the biometric information is for asalesperson, the CPU 101 makes a determination of Yes in Act 74 and theprocess proceeds to Act 17. After the process of Act 17, the CPU 101moves to Act 75 in the same manner as the first embodiment. In Act 75,the CPU 101 sets a value of the variable D to “d3” . After the processof Act 75, the process returns to Act 72. After the process of Act 75,the self-service checkout device 300 operates in the salesperson mode.

In the same manner as the first embodiment, there is a case where asalesperson operates the self-service checkout device by responding to arequest of a customer who does not know how to operate the self-servicecheckout device 300. In this case, the salesperson causes the biometricauthentication device 301 to read biometric information of thesalesperson so as to operate the self-service checkout device 300 in thesalesperson mode. When the operation releasing the salesperson mode isperformed in a standby state of Act 72, Act 73, Act 5, and Act 6, theCPU 101 makes a determination of Yes in Act 73 and the process proceedsto Act 24. After the process of Act 24, the process proceeds to Act 76in the same manner as the first embodiment. In Act 76, the CPU 101 setsa value of the variable D to “d1”. After the process of Act 76, theprocess returns to Act 72. After the process of Act 76, the self-servicecheckout device 300 operates in the normal mode.

In addition, in the second embodiment, the CPU 101 makes a determinationof Yes in Act 8 and then the process proceeds to Act 77. In Act 77, theCPU 101 compares decreasing amount stored in Act 7 with a weight storedin a merchandise database for merchandise specified by a merchandisecode of which input is received in Act 8 and determines whether or notweights are the same. At this time, in a case where a difference betweenthe decreasing amount and the weight stored in the merchandise databaseis equal to or less than the variable D, the CPU 101 regards that theweights as being the same. In a case where the CPU 111 regards theweights as not being the same in Act 77, there is a possibility thatsome fraudulent operation is carried out. Therefore, by performing aprocess of Act 77, a computer having the CPU 101 operates as a detectionunit which detects the fraudulent operation. When the weights are thesame, the CPU 101 makes a determination of Yes in Act 77 and the processproceeds to Act 9. On the other hand, when the weights are not the same,the CPU 101 makes a determination of No in Act 77 and the processproceeds to Act 13. A value of the variable D is d1 in the normal modeand is d3 larger than d1 in the salesperson mode. That is, in thesalesperson mode, the threshold for detecting fraudulent operation isreduced. Therefore, by performing the process in Act 75, a computerhaving the CPU 101 operates as a control unit which controls thedetection unit so as to reduce the threshold for the detectingfraudulent operation on condition that it is authenticated that anoperator is a specific operator.

Unlike the first embodiment, the CPU 101 does not perform the processesof Acts 10 to 12, Act 14, Act 15 and Act 16 in the second embodiment. Inaddition, after Act 15, the process proceeds to Act 23. After Act 23,the process returns to Act 71 in the same manner as the firstembodiment.

According to the self-service checkout device 300 of the secondembodiment, by reading biometric information and performing biometricauthentication, it is identified whether or not an operator is asalesperson. Therefore, security is improved as compared with a casewhere the salesperson ID is used.

The first embodiment and the second embodiment described above can alsobe modified as follows. In the first embodiment, the salesperson IDperforms authentication. However, a biometric authentication device isprovided in the self-service checkout device 100 and biometricauthentication may be performed in the same manner as the secondembodiment. In addition, in the second embodiment, biometricauthentication is performed using the biometric authentication device.However, the salesperson ID may perform authentication in the samemanner as the first embodiment.

In the first embodiment, the salesperson ID is recorded in a barcode.However, the salesperson ID may be stored in a magnetic card, a contacttype integrated circuit (IC) card, a non-contact type IC card, or thelike. As the non-contact IC card, standards such as radio frequencyidentifier (RFID), and near field communication (NFC) can be used. Inthe above case, a reading device corresponding to a recording method ofthe salesperson ID is provided in the self-service checkout device.

In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, an operator will bedescribed as a salesperson. However, an excellent customer or the likealso may be an operator instead of a salesperson.

In the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the couple ofexamples of the detection unit for detecting fraudulent operation aredescribed. However, the self-service checkout device may be providedwith another detection unit for detecting fraudulent operation. Theself-service checkout device including the other detection unit does notperform the other detection in the salesperson mode in the same manneras the first embodiment or the second embodiment. Alternatively, theself-service checkout device reduces the threshold above which the otherdetection unit detects fraudulent operations in the salesperson mode. Anexample of the other detection unit is as follows. That is, by analyzingan operator, the self-service checkout device, and images obtained bycapturing merchandise and the like of a payment target with a camera,the self-service checkout system determines whether or not the operatorperforms fraudulent operations (see, for example, Japanese Patent No.5054670).

While certain embodiments have been described, these embodiments havebeen presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit thescope of the inventions. Indeed, the novel embodiments described hereinmay be embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, variousomissions, substitutions and changes in the form of the embodimentsdescribed herein maybe made without departing from the spirit of theinventions. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intendedto cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope andspirit of the inventions.

What is claimed is:
 1. A self-service checkout terminal comprising: anoptical code reader; a platform on which items to be purchased areplaced; a weight sensor configured to detect a weight of objects placedon the platform; and a processor configured to operate in a first modeand a second mode, carry out a registration process based on amerchandise code corresponding to a code symbol read from an item by theoptical code reader while enabling a confirmation process to confirmproper item placement based on the weight detected by the weight sensorin the first mode, and carry out the registration process whiledisabling the confirmation process in the second mode, wherein the firstmode is an operational mode for self-service checkout and the weightsensor is enabled during the first mode, and the second mode is anoperational mode for non-self-service aided checkout and the weightsensor is disabled during the second mode.
 2. The self-service checkoutterminal according to claim 1, wherein the processor switches from thefirst mode to the second mode, upon a code symbol associated with a usercode of a predetermined user being read by the optical code reader. 3.The self-service checkout terminal according to claim 1, furthercomprising: an biometric recognition device configured to recognize abiometric feature of a user, wherein the processor switches from thefirst mode to the second mode, upon a biometric pattern unique to apredetermined user being recognized by the biometric authenticationdevice.
 4. The self-service checkout terminal according to claim 1,wherein the items to be purchased are items that are to be subjected toa code reading by the optical code reader, and the self-service checkoutsystem further comprising: a second platform on which items that havebeen subjected to the code reading are placed; and a second weightsensor configured to detect a weight of objects placed on the secondplatform.
 5. The self-service checkout terminal according to claim 4,wherein during the confirmation process, the processor compares adecrease of a weight detected by the weight sensor before the codereading for an item and an increase of a weight detected by the secondsensor after the code reading for the item, and generates an errornotification upon a difference between the decrease of the weight andthe increase of the weight being greater than a first threshold.
 6. Theself-service checkout terminal according to claim 5, wherein theprocessor further cancels registration of the item upon the differencebetween the decrease of the weight and the increase of the weight beinggreater than the first threshold.
 7. The self-service checkout terminalaccording to claim 1, wherein the items to be purchased are items thathave been subjected to a code reading by the optical code reader, andduring the confirmation process, the processor determines a decrease ofthe detected weight and carries out a warning operation based on thedecrease of the detected weight.
 8. The self-service checkout terminalaccording to claim 7, wherein during the confirmation process, theprocessor counts a number of times a difference between a referenceweight and the detected weight is equal to or greater than a secondthreshold, and generates a warning upon the counted number exceeding apredetermined number.
 9. The self-service checkout terminal according toclaim 1, further comprising: a light-emitting indicator that is disabledduring the first mode and enabled during the second mode.
 10. Theself-service checkout terminal according to claim 1, further comprising:a display that is controlled by the processor to display a screenindicating that a current operational mode is the first mode when theprocessor operates in the first mode, and display a screen indicatingthat the current operational mode is the second mode when the processoroperates in the second mode.